1- iOVERLANDER

1- iOVERLANDER

In A Nutshell

iOverlander is a crowdsourced database of places for overlanders and travelers. It includes camping, hotels, restaurants, mechanics, water, propane filling and many other categories. Details are listed for each place, including amenities, photos, date last visited and GPS coordinates.

In addition to finding places, you can add new places, record your trip, and share places with friends or other travelers. All of these features will work offline, except you will not be able to view the photos.

Overall:

4.5/5

Success Rate

What We Like

The App works flawlessly and is smooth to use.

It has to most complete database of all similar apps.

Works offline.

What We don't like

Because it's quite popular, there's a good chance you won't have a spot to yourself...

What We Like

What We don't like

3- Google Maps

3- Google Maps

In A Nutshell

Google Maps needs no introduction. It’s the best app for step-by-step navigation.

It’s also neat to find overnight spots! Switch to “Satellite” mode to spy for overnight spots (backroads, in the forest, near lakes, etc.). It’s not as straightforward as iOverlander or FreeCampsites.net and there’s a learning curve to get proficient with it, but it opens new possibilities and finding your own spots mean you’ll most likely have the spot to yourself!

Overall:

4.5/5

Success Rate

What We Like

Find your own spot = no crowd.

What We don't like

Gates or barriers are hard to see on the map, so we sometimes have to back up because the potential spot is not accessible.

4- Public Lands

4- Public Lands

In A Nutshell

In the USA, the majority of public lands are held in trust for the American people by the federal government and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or by the United States Forest Service (National Forest). Unless posted otherwise, dispersed camping is generally allowed for up to 14 days. You can use iOverlander or FreeCampsites.net to find dispersed campgrounds, or use this app to find the boundaries of the BLMs and National Forests near you:

5- Trailhead

5- TrailHead

In A Nutshell

If, like us, Vanlife is about being out there in the wild, then keep your eyes open! We very often find overnight spots while heading to the trailhead, or while we ride our bikes. After some times travelling, you’ll find yourself constantly scanning for good camping spots (or water faucet) even when you don’t need one; it becomes natural, no need to think about it! 🙂

Be aware that most trailheads have “No Overnight Parking” sign; please respect it…

Success Rate

What We Like

Wake and ride!

What We don't like

Very often, trailheads have "No Overnight Parking" sign.

6- Residential Streets

6- Residential Streets

In A Nutshell

Sleeping in residential areas is definitely not a Vanlife goal, but it’s always the best fail-safe last resort option. It’s quick and easy to find a spot.

Remember that you’re an uninvited guest, so respect the neighborhood:

Arrive late, leave early.

This is not a camping spot; stay inside your van (no table and chairs outside!).

Never sleep twice at the same spot.

Be self-contained (no grey water waste outside the van. See our water system).

As a general rule: if we make eye contact with a neighbor when parking, we find another spot.

Success Rate

What We Like

Quick and easy to find a spot.

Very high success rate.

What We don't like

Not epic by any mean.

7- Walmart, Cabelas, Sam's Club, etc.

7- Walmart, Cabelas, Sam's Club, etc.

In A Nutshell

The following stores generally allow overnight parking, but it’s a good practice to always ask permission before:

Walmart

Sam’s Club

Flying J Truck Stop

Cabela’s

Some rest areas and Visitor Centers

Others (ask permission)

There’s a reason why it’s last on our list: it’s noisy (truck idling, RV generators, etc), there’s a lot of people coming and going (especially at 24h stores), drunk people like to hangout there for some reason, etc… Needless to say, we normally avoid it!

Overall:

2/5

Success Rate

What We Like

Useful during long distance drives (highway).

What We don't like

Very Noisy.

Very Crowded.

8- Winter

8- Winter

In A Nutshell

For us, Vanlife is also a way to chase the snow during winter. Finding free overnight camping is definitely more challenging during winter… Actually, everything is more challenging! For this reason, we wrote an exhaustive Winter Vanlife Guide:

STAY IN TOUCH!

about us

Nice To Meet You.

Hello! We’re Isabelle and Antoine In 2017 we sold our house (and everything in it), quit our engineering careers and moved into our self built campervan. We’ve been on the road since then and every day is an opportunity for a new adventure; we’re chasing our dreams and hopefully it inspires others to do the same!